TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved hairdresser - who worked with top London stylists - who passed away last month.

Norman Hodge, who opened salons in Somerton, Yatton, Bridgwater, Burnham and finally in Taunton, sadly died on March 29.

Norman, who started his career with an apprenticeship in Bridgwater at 17-years-old, worked with top hairdressers in London.

His designs were featured in Vogue, Harpers, Good Housekeeping and Hairdressers Journal.

He was also invited to work for The Italian Hair Club with expectations he would produce shows in Milan and Verona.

His family have said he was a "kind, caring man, with a genuine fondness for his clients who always left the salon with a smile".

He ran the Great North Run twice for charity, and one Christmas Day he peeled potatoes in the kitchen for the Salvation Army - his chosen charity.

Norman loved to visit Venice, and during one visit to the carnival, he was determined to "look the part". And so, he persuaded one of his clients to create a costume with white stockings and a wig.

Somerset County Gazette: Norman Hodge

His family said: "Dearest Norman, we shall miss you."

Yvonne, Annabel and Thomas have joined together to thank everyone for the kind wishes.